Trump Presides Over His First 9/11 Presidential Remembrance

President Donald Trump marked the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks with a ceremony held outside the Pentagon, where Trump held his first presidential remembrance for the nearly 3,000 Americans whose lives were lost that day.

The president was joined by First Lady Melania Trump, Defense Secretary James Mattis, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford. Earlier in the day, Trump and the First Lady were seen on the White House South Lawn bowing their heads to honor the moment the first plane hit the North tower.

“For the families with us on this anniversary, we know that not a single day goes by when you don’t think about the loved one stolen from your life. Today, our entire nation grives with you and with every family of those 2,977 innocent souls who were murdered by terrorists 16 years ago,” Trump said.

“Our values will endure. Our people will thrive. Our nation will prevail and the memory of our loved ones will never, ever die.”

“The terrorists who attacked us thought they could incite fear and weaken our spirit but America cannot be intimidated,” he continued. “And those who try will soon join the long list of vanquished enemies who dared to test our mettle.”

While Trump paid respects to the heartbreak and pain that afflicted the country 16 years ago, he also offered prayers to those who are currently suffering due to Hurricane Irma’s destructive path over Florida, as well as those who lost everything to Hurricane Harvey just weeks ago.

“When Americans are in need, Americans pull together,” he said, adding: “When we face hardship, we emerge closer, stronger, and more determined than ever.”

On Friday, Homeland Security adviser Tom Bossert noted told reporters at the White House that Trump would receive “a comprehensive picture of the terrorist threat and what we’re doing to counter it from his senior officials on 9/11.”

“No terrorist should view us as vulnerable right now, farthest thing from the truth,” Bossert continued. “Second, there is no actionable, credible threat to the United States right now.”